BBC Studios vs PBS

BBC's Kate Phillips Prioritizes Creative Instinct Over Algorithms

At MIPCOM 2026, BBC's Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips stated that despite the growing importance of YouTube as a distribution partner, the corporation will not rely on algorithms to guide format development. Instead, Phillips uses an unconventional economic indicator: counting construction cranes in London's skyline to gauge the economy's future health, which she believes influences viewing habits—harder entertainment in boom times, comfort TV in downturns. She emphasized that YouTube-first formats must still uphold editorial and creative standards, citing the success of the documentary channel 'Deep Watch' with 2.5 million subscribers. BBC Studios' CEO Zai Bennett discussed turning content into long-lasting brands, using 'Dancing with the Stars' as an example, while Shelley Macintyre highlighted extending brands into merchandise and games early in development.

• Kate Phillips, BBC's Chief Content Officer, stated at MIPCOM 2026 that the BBC will not use algorithms for format development.
• Phillips uses the number of construction cranes in London's skyline as an economic indicator to predict future viewing habits.
• BBC's YouTube documentary channel 'Deep Watch' has reached approximately 2.5 million subscribers.

Mattel Partners with BBC's Bluey Across Multiple Brands

Mattel announced a multi-year global licensing partnership with BBC Studios to bring the animated series Bluey to five of its major brands: Fisher-Price's Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO. This move is part of Mattel's strategic shift from a traditional toy maker to a 'brand management company' focused on building lifelong fandom through an ecosystem of toys, entertainment, and live experiences. The partnership was announced by Mattel's chief marketing and brand officer, Roberto Stanichi, at ADWEEK's Brandweek. The collaboration aims to leverage Bluey's emotional resonance to deepen consumer engagement and expand Mattel's franchise ecosystem, aligning with its brand pillars of centering fans and creating immersive experiences.

• Mattel and BBC Studios signed a multi-year global licensing partnership for Bluey.
• Bluey characters will appear in Fisher-Price Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO products.
• The deal was announced by Mattel's CMO Roberto Stanichi at ADWEEK's Brandweek.

BBC Studios unveils next generation of reality formats at MIPCOM 2026

The Yacht, The Big Date, Silent Attraction and Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro launching to international buyers in session Reality Check: A New Era of Unscripted Formats, on Monday 12 October.

Christiane Amanpour to Leave CNN After Over 40 Years

Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international correspondent, has announced her departure after 43 years with the network. The 68-year-old journalist said she decided to leave CNN after months of deliberation, with her show to be reduced to once a week from January and ending fully in May. Until her farewell, she will continue reporting for CNN from around the world. CNN chairman Mark Thompson praised her as one of the most trusted and beloved journalists globally. Her PBS program 'Amanpour & Company' will also end by the end of the year, though she plans to continue her podcast 'The Ex Files' with ex-husband Jamie Rubin. The announcement comes shortly after CNN's sale to Skydance.

• Christiane Amanpour announced her departure from CNN after 43 years.
• Her show on CNN will air weekly from January until May, when it ends.
• Amanpour will continue reporting for CNN worldwide until her departure.

PBS Adds France 24 English as Free OTA Subchannel

PBS and France 24 have signed an agreement allowing PBS member stations to carry a livestream of France 24 English as a subchannel on their digital platforms. This brings the total number of live, linear, commercial-free streams available through PBS.org and the PBS app to nine. The partnership aims to expand France 24's distribution among American viewers while providing PBS stations with additional daily programming. France 24, a French public-service international news channel, operates in four languages and reports a technical reach of 577 million households. The English stream will be offered on PBS platforms as an extension of its existing carriage on cable, satellite, and connected TVs. Station participation is optional, and the streams will remain commercial-free.

• PBS and France 24 have entered an agreement for PBS member stations to carry France 24 English as a subchannel.
• The addition brings the total number of live, linear, commercial-free streams on PBS platforms to nine.
• France 24 reports a technical reach of 577 million households across five continents.

PBS App Arrives in LG Smart TV App Store

PBS has released its official app to the LG App Store for select LG Smart TVs, making live station streams, thousands of on-demand episodes, favorites, and cross-device sync available to LG viewers. The app supports most 2023 and newer LG models running webOS 23 or higher and integrates with LG features like the Magic Remote. PBS and LG executives framed the availability as an expansion of PBS’s reach and a commitment by LG to deliver high-quality content to its smart TV users. The publisher Cord Cutters News reported the launch on August 14, 2026.

• The PBS app is now available on select LG Smart TVs.
• The app is available in the LG app store on most 2023 and newer models running webOS 23 and higher.
• Features include live station streams, thousands of on-demand episodes, saving favorites, and syncing viewing across PBS apps and pbs.org.